Originally railway signals were controlled from a hut on a platform at junctions. However, by the 1950’s a raised building with a glazed upper storey containing levers controlling points & signals was developed after John Saxby in 1856 patented a mechanical system of interlocking the points & signals. Over half the signalling boxes in the UK before 1923 were built by private signalling contractors, however, some railway companies such as Western Railway had a standard signal box design.

Interestingly, British Railways inherited 10,000 signal boxes in 1948. By the end of 2019 there were 166 listed signal boxes with 86 of them still being used. Of all the railway buildings the signal box remains by far, one of the most instantly recognisable buildings on the landscape.

So, just what can be done with a redundant signal box? Well, Spring this year saw the closure of Grade II listed 1879 Great Western Railway Signal Box at Par in Cornwall but will now be used as a training centre to teach Network Rail recruits the workings of mechanical signalling.

Other uses of redundant signal boxes include Ash Vale in Surrey where the relay room was retained & used to house nesting bats all created re-using various materials from the original signal box.

Network Rail & the Railway Heritage Trust have also agreed 6 options for the re-use of listed redundant signal boxes which include:

1)    The box remains in situ whilst Network Rail finds a use for it. Which could include being used as an office for mobile staff. In this case Network Rail would qualify for a grant from the Trust to retore and convert the box for its new intended purpose.

2)    The box can be moved away from its current location and be utilised in a community. This would mean Network Rail taking the box apart and the Trust paying for its new base.

3)    The box could also be moved to a heritage railway for use in signalling. Network Rail would dismantle and move the box with the Trust funding its new foundation.

4)    A community or commercial enterprise (cafes, museums, art studios, holiday accommodation) could take on a full repairing lease on the box – if it’s far enough away from operational tracks.  In this case the Trust would typically award a grant to help the tenant restore the box and potentially convert it to another use.

5)    It is also still possible for a community group to lease a box close to the tracks if Network Rail retains responsibility for the building’s exterior. In this instance a grant would be available for the restoration.

6)    Sadly, some signal boxes are located in such an area that it’s impossible to find a new use for them. These boxes would be restored on the outside whilst also being protected from vandalism.

So, if you fancy a signal box as your next office then perhaps contact Network Rail.